triple j Unearthed has launched The Forecast for 2026 to elevate emerging artists, uncover new sounds and support the next generation of homegrown talent.
The 2026 Forecast is an annual list spotlighting the 10 Australian artists triple j believe are just about to have their breakout year. Among this year’s rising artists are Darcie Haven, DEVAURA, Drifting Clouds, Headwreck and Hottest 100 debutants The Tullamarines (below – #97), with the full list out here.
Also launching is a brand-new slate of nine genre-driven programs, and a New Music Hour, all coming to Unearthed Radio and to the triple j app. These programs create dedicated space for artists across a wide range of genres, spotlighting the depth and diversity of Australia’s creative communities.
The new line-up includes:
• ALWAY’, a celebration of powerful First Nations voices and storytelling
• Crush, the home of pop in all its forms
• Drift, the spot for guitar-driven records
• Flow State, with chill beats and ambient sounds
• In The Pit, an hour of the heaviest sounds from around the country
• New Music Hour
• Slow Burn, an hour to unwind with the best of folk and country
• Spiral, showcasing experimental sounds and underground artists
• The Blend, highlighting the freshest hip hop, RnB and grooves set to make you move
• Warehouse, delivering high energy club sounds and even higher BPM.
The full schedule is live on the Unearthed website.
TOPs is also back on Unearthed Radio every weekday from 5:30pm with the latest and greatest uploads, before they drop anywhere else.
2026 will also see Unearthed High return a little earlier than usual, in March. To get high school-aged artists ready, Unearthed has shared an entire unit of work, built by a music teacher for music teachers, giving students a direct entry into the Australian Music scene while staying in line with the national curriculum. Find out more here.
These new programs and initiatives will likely have been driven by outgoing Unearthed Music Director Claire Mooney. She was appointed triple j Music Director earlier this week.
Images supplied.